IPOH: Police busted a drug processing laboratory which was operating under the disguise of a fish farm and seized drugs worth RM5.2 million on Monday.

Police seized 74.55kg of syabu and 29.35 kg of ephedrine, a raw substance to process drugs in the raid at the palm oil plantation in Gopeng.

Four men, three of who are brothers, were also arrested at the location and have been remanded until March 20 to facilitate investigations.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department deputy director DCP Datuk Kang Chez Chiang said the suspects were initially involved in the fish rearing business at the pond in the plantation and later ventured into drug processing activities about two months ago.

"The men picked up drug processing skills from their friends and we are now looking for them," he added.

He said two of the suspects had previous criminal records for robbery and theft.

Kang said police will record a statement from the owner who had rented out the premise to the suspects.

"The syndicate did not have an opportunity to sell the drugs as they were waiting for it be crystalised before proceeding with the distribution," he said.

Police also seized two cars, a branded watch worth RM30,000 and several drug processing equipment in the raid conducted by Bukit Aman's Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING) and the Perak police narcotics team.

Kang said police also seized drugs worth RM66.33 million throughout the country from January to March 12.

He said a total of 37,883 locals and 1,524 foreigners were arrested for various drug offences during the same period.